Well done. I hope you can find the strength and courage to keep him at bay as the next coming weeks will be tough. You may start doubting yourself etc but you must try to look at the bigger picture.

This man is a terrible role model for your dc and he isn't who you want them to be. You don't need them looking to your relationship thinking that's what it should be like in a marriage because it isn't.

I'm no angel or stranger to conflict (thanks to my first marriage) but believe me when you are in a relationship with mutual love and respect the feeling of it is just amazing. I've got no doubt something like this is on the cards for you in the future (I'm not psychic btw!) but hold onto the thought that you and the dc deserve better.

He won't change so you are the one who needs to take control of your life and start the changes from this moment on.

I am 4 months on from doing this and it was the best decision I ever made. Our home is a different place, it's happy and no one feels like they have to tread on eggshells. Ex has tried to worm his way back in, promising to change, etc but I have not even been tempted. I was worried about the children but they are fine! You are very brave and are doing the right thing.

My kids were similar age when I split with their Dad, and I did an upbeat "something important to tell you, Mummy and Daddy don't love each other as much as they used to so we've decided to split up. Not to worry; all that means is that Daddy isn't going to sleep here, he will sleep somewhere else, but you will still see him lots and everything else will carry on as normal."